Discussion

MINI-REVIEW: Seafare Inn - Whittier's Heirloom of the Sea

Same location, family ownership and, largely, clientele for nearly 50 years. The Milhous family runs a pretty tight ship (it’s moored right out front!) when it comes to delivering great, fresh seafood to a largely geriatric clientele. One day in the not too distant future, I’ll be one of the old geezers. Until then, I’ll contentedly continue to use my own teeth to nosh through some really fine and sometimes rare jewels of the sea like fresh John Dory, swordfish, shark, abalone, whole body Ipswich Clams, sole, sand dabs, deep fried lobster chunks and homemade pickled herring. Daily specials. Delicious, plump, fresh oysters are a real steal at only $12.95/doz! Their battered and fried shrimp are second to none. Wonderful crab sandwich made with 100% real crab, no filler! Can’t get enough of that pickled Cole Slaw made without mayo. Great clam (red) or fish (white) chowders. Where else can you go and be offered a choice of cottage cheese or tomato instead of fries or baked potato with your meal? A nursing home, maybe?

I luv this place! Been goin’ for 25 years with nary a disappointment in food or service. My favorite day is Tuesday. They’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Hey, you weren't kidding -- a restaurant in Whittier owned by the Milhous family. No mention of the trickster, however.

It sounds like a great throwback (the 1961 menu is a nice touch) and reminds me of similar restaurants all over the Midwest, usually near a lake. I think I'll stop by and do my part to lower the average customer age.

Thanks for the heads-up on Sunday hours. Turns out they have been open on Sundays since day one! One of the many things I appreciate about Chowhound is that any misinformation tends to get weeded out promptly. Kinda like a self-cleaning oven.

Yes indeed, Norm, the "tummies", as Will O. refers to them, are attached. I did state "whole body" in my OP. BTW, the portion size is HUGE, enough for 2 @ $16.95 - the most expensive item on the menu, I believe. Delish!

I went to the online site and found ZERO photos of ANYTHING on the menu.That's off-putting for me.Does anyone have any photos to share?I just took my daughter to Mt SAC today & we must return next Tuesday.That's not a far drive, it seems.I've printed driving directions & plan to dinner there next Tuesday, but, PHOTOS, please!ALSO:I enjoyed reading this just now on the clam front:http://www.e-cookbooks.net/articles/i...AH!And I'm seeking "what's the don't miss it" flight of items for this place?Lastly, how's the tartar sauce, honey mustard, etc ~ They say "made in-house", as they say of the cheesecake ~ Is it "worth it"? Is the creme brulee "worth it" there?Thanks!:-)

Thanks for the great article on Ipswich’s. It is quite accurate. I’ve got to ask Gary or Scott where they source theirs. As for Seafare’s not to be missed items, there are quite a few IMHO. Below, somewhat in my order of preference depending upon mood:

John Dory, Swordfish, Chilean Sea Bass, Abalone - when available on the specials board behind the register

Crab Sandwich – 100% fresh lump crab meat (I’ve yet try their crab cakes, but can only imagine the same). I usually take one home for later

Marinated Herring - house-made. Yum!

Chowder – fish (white), clam (red)

Cole Slaw

The Tartar Sauce is great. No honey mustard to my knowledge. No sour cream for the baked potato either – use their blue cheese dressing for optimal results.

All desserts are house-made. I’m not really a dessert type of guy, but those who’ve dined with me have found the various cheesecakes excellent and the Crème Brule very respectable for this type of establishment.

Another thing I really appreciate about Seafare is that they remain open continuously throughout the day. No shutters between lunch and dinner.

I trust that you and your daughter will enjoy your dinner next Tuesday.

Checked out Seafare Inn for lunch today based on your rec. Got there just before 11:30am and when the door opened there was a swarm of reitrees shortly thereafter.

Started with the Manhattan clam chowder which is a thick chowder. I'd say the chowder at The Crab Cooker is a little better with more clams. Ordered the littleneck clam appetizer for $6.50 for a half dozen. Decided on the fried combination plate to get an idea of their different items at one time. The oyster was big and plump, the scallops were decent sized, the fried shrimp was good sized and not from frozen. Their fried shrimp platter would definitely be better than the pre-frozen fried shrimp you get at most places. SO had the crab sandwich which she said was pretty good. We both agreed they had excellent French fries.

Definitely a cliche seafood joint from the 50's and 60's. The service staff is very friendly and accomodating and I think the retiree clientele is at home with that and the prices. The waitress knew it was our first time there and suggested I try one of their fresh fishes next time. She tried selling us on their desserts which are all made on the premises, but we said we were full and we'd leave room the next visit.

This is one of the things I love about CH: someone will mention/review a place and another will go soon after & give a follow up review. Maybe I can drag Mr OCAnn here before the end of the month.... Thank you for the follow up, monku.

Right on, Monku! Thanks for taking the first hit for the team. Glad it was good for you and your SO. If you like oysters, next time get a dozen on-the-half-shell along with your selection. They are my favorite along with the fried jumbo shrimp lunch/dinner - together, what a meal. I forgot to tout the French fries; they are indeed excellent, made from whole potatoes.

Take a look at my response to SusanaTheConqueress for my list of don't miss items. Another thing I appreciate about Seafare is their consistency. Tastes the same every time.

Also, thanks for the photos. I believe that they are the first photos of Seafare's menu items anywhere online. You're a true pioneer.

I've probably eaten 4 or 5 dozen raw oysters in the last month, so the littleneck clams were a good diversion. I was delighted they give you cocktail sauce and a side of plain horseradish with the clams on the half shell. Have to save room for the desserts, they all sounded good. Next time I'm going to shoot for the sand dabs or grilled halibut.

It is a bit daunting the number of retirees there, but I guess they know good value and the portions are probably suited to their appetites. We were the only youngsters in the place by about 20+ years.